THE SERIOUS SIDE OF COSMETIC CONTACTS

Whether you want to create an especially spooky look for Halloween, produce your own special “emo” look, or create the Asian anime effect, you should know that there is a federal ban on the use of cosmetic contact lenses without prescriptions. There is good reason for the regulated use of cosmetic contacts. Like any contact lens, unless they are properly fitted and sterile, cosmetic contacts have the potential to damage the physical structure of the eye and introduce infection-causing bacteria. As a result, cosmetic lenses illegally sold “over-the-counter” and on the street and the Internet can cause irreversible corneal damage that can cause permanent blindness. There is nothing fun about a painful eye infection and vision loss. The Internet gives us access to a wide range of products without having to leave the comfort of our home. Contact lenses are a personalized product that must meet the vision needs of the wearer. Because contacts are worn directly on the eyes, they can lead to infection and long-term damage. Contact lenses are regulated by the FDA as medical devices and should be treated as such.